Effectiveness of Plan-Do-Check-Act Approach in Improving Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Care in Parenteral Iron Deficiency Treatment.

Abstract

Introduction: Given the high incidence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in Saudi Arabia, this quality improvement research project was initiated to improve patient care by establishing an intravenous (IV) iron administration room with the use of two cycles of plan-do-check-act (PDCA) model.

Methods: The first PDCA cycle began in September 2018, and the second in the second half of 2021. Comparisons were made between these cycles, based on the total number of hospitalizations, admission waiting times, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. After the intervention, comparisons of results for each improvement area were verified with benchmarks.

Results: After the first PDCA cycle, hospitalizations increased by 72.88%, and the wait time for IV iron therapy was reduced to 10 weeks, resulting in savings of approximately 1,329,120 SAR ($354,093.77 USD). A comparison of baseline data as of September 2018 and the first PDCA cycle showed a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.0002). After the second PDCA cycle, a further increase in patient satisfaction with a total score of ± 95%, a reduction in waiting time to less than 1 week, and a cost-effectiveness of approximately 3,557,952 SAR ($947,881.78 USD) were achieved. At follow-up, significant improvements were also observed, reflecting maintenance of results with subsequent changes in type IV iron levels (p ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusion: The creation of an IV administration room dedicated to parenteral procedures resulted in reduced patient wait times, improved quality of care, increased patient satisfaction, increased bed occupancy, and substantial cost savings.